This dress was better in person than I could have imagined. The color pops, and it has more personality than I expected from seeing the photos on the model (probably because it cooperated really well with curves!). The straps are elastic and adjustable for perfect support. The material is thick enough to really glide over just about anything, and the crossbody ruffle makes it even more flattering. It traveled easily (I had to pack it for this event), and I only wished I had another event the following day so I could keep wearing it!

Royal Blue Ruffle Gown

Marchesa Notte

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Size Worn: 14L

Usual Size: 14

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 36D

This dress was the most comfortable and effortless gown I've ever worn. As someone who loves my shoulders but is not as crazy about my arms, the draping hit in exactly the right place to flatter. The thick material of the dress holds everything in, but in a comfortable way. I didn't wear any sort of bra and my bust felt supported and frankly, looked great in the keyhole design. Later in the night when I wanted to really be able to move, I pulled the draping under my arms, turning the dress into a more classic halter style. It looks great either way. I ordered the 12L and the 14L. Both fit, with the smaller of the two giving me more va-va-voom. While it looked good, I went with the 14L so I could avoid rocking Spanx (and save more room for wedding cake!). I absolutely loved this dress.

Magenta Draped Gown

Badgley Mischka

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Size Worn: 14L

Usual Size: 14

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 36D

The arm holes are really unforgiving, and because there's somewhat coarse embroidery right up to the edge of the dress, I could immediately feel that my underarms would be rubbing against that fabric and getting irritated throughout the event. If you are someone who has ever had issues with armholes being too small, this dress is almost certainly going to fall into that category. Sad because it's so beautiful, but I personally couldn't sacrifice comfort for a lengthy wedding!

Multi Floral Embroidered Dress

ML Monique Lhuillier

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Size Worn: 12

Usual Size: 14

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 36D

This was the perfect dress for this wedding — it's versatile and can be dressed up or down based on the shoes and accessories. My one major problem with it was that it required a U-plunge backless/strapless adhesive bra, and the top of the dress is roomy enough that it didn't help the bra stay up as the night went on. It's not the easiest style for women with breasts on the larger end. The liner slip doesn't have a ton of give, but I have a booty and it was well accommodated by this dress (in fact, I think in this style, the more booty, the better). I got tons of compliments and felt really stylish and lovely, but wish I hadn't felt the need to be concerned about the status of my chest all night long.

White Floral Lace Ruffle Dress

Nicole Miller

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Size Worn: 12R

Usual Size: 14

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 185lbs

Bust: 36D